Thursday, December 29, 2005

In god we trust

A story that links the Pakistan team's recent vein of success to an increasing belief in the power of religion, here.

So what can Pakistan’s recent success be put down to? According to the Guardian’s David Hopps, who was in Pakistan for England visit, ‘Pakistan’s cricketers have never pursued their religious beliefs as devoutly as they do today’. He adds: “Bismillah” (“In the name of Allah”) or “Inshallah” (“God willing”) stud their every utterance. They pray together and discuss religion together.”The Sunday Telegraph’s Richard Sydenham states that the conversion of the team’s only Christian, Yousaf Youhana to Islam, is one factor that has created a stronger bond between the players. Youhana, now known as Mohammed Yousuf, told his team-mates a year ago on the Australia tour of his conversion. However he had secretly converted in 2001. Sydenham spoke to Pakistan’s number four batsmen, in Multan’s Holiday Inn, after Pakistan victory in the first Test and discovered a man content with himself on and off the field.He said: “For the last 18 months the team have tried to pray together five times a day from first light and that shows discipline. Islam gives protection and respect to every human being, every living thing in the world. It’s also the most peaceful religion in the world. I didn’t feel this when I was a Christian but I don’t regret it. I’m glad I had the chance to see the difference.”